The Oath of Betar

Betar members take an oath – many at a young age – which they vow to follow their entire life.

Betar’s ideology follows this oath:

Zion: Only Eretz Israel has the power to solve the problem of the Jewish people and to ease the suffering of the Diaspora.

Had-Ness – Monism: The basic principle distinguishing Betar from other movements is “Had-Ness” (Monism or one flag). The one flag, the supreme directive and the singular motivation of the Movement, is the ideal of establishing a Jewish state. Jabotinsky believed that “two ideals are absurd, truly like two gods, like two altars and two Temples…if Zionism is the ideal, no other independent aspiration, worthy of equal rights, can dwell alongside it”. All decisions stem from this. Is it good for the Jews?

Hebrew Language: The Betar Movement sees in the Hebrew language the national language, sole and eternal, of the Jewish people. A Jew who does not know Hebrew – is not a complete Jew.

Hadar (spirit of Betar Movement): A term encompassing external beauty, pride, respect, loyalty and many other lofty values – Hadar is the embodiment of humanity. ‘Betar Hadar’ is the aspiration of each and every one, every step and every act that the Betar member performs, must first be examined from the standpoint of Hadar.  Most important is moral “Hadar”. You must be generous, if no question of principle is involved.  Do not bargain about trivialities, you, rather should give something instead of exacting it from somebody else. Every word must be a “word of honor”, and the latter is mightier that steel. A time must eventually arrive, when a Jew desiring to express his highest appreciation of human honesty, courtesy and esteem will not say, as now: “He is a real gentleman!” but “He is a real Betari!”

Giyus (mobilization): The Betar member is prepared for each and any service for the sake of the people. Jabotinsky drew this concept from the unique character of Yosef Trumpeldor whose famous last words were “It is good to die for your country.”

Magen (Protection): One of Betar’s ideological principles is military preparedness. Betar demands that its members understand force and weapons.  We are prepared for physical battle and protection. 

Tziyut (Obedience): Voluntarily discipline. In willingness to obey, there is a type of contribution of strength for the people’s effort and preservation of national stability and unity.

Betar has a strong focus on ethical values together with Zionist ideals in a time of growing apathy. These principles are fundamental to our operations today.

Hadar, the idea that respect for one’s self and all other people is absolutely essential, and

Tagar, the notion that we should stand up for what we believe in. Tagar roughly translates to tenacity and opposes arm-chair Zionism – being the type of Zionism which lacks true actualisation of one’s beliefs. 

We stand up loud and clear.